Missing signs a 'violation'

The two billboards that have since gone missing along the stretch of road between Ngongotaha and Rotorua. Photo / Supplied

The disappearance of two yellow and black billboards erected by the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers has been described as a "violation against our rights" by the group's mayoral candidate.

Dr Reynold Macpherson, who is representing the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers group in the mayoral race next year, said the society had not taken the signs down, which sat along the Ngongotaha straight, and would be erecting new signs in the next few days.

"The biggest concern we have with these billboards being taken down is that our freedom of speech and right to question the council is being violated. We regret the actions of the people who took our signs down and hope they can try and respect our right to express our political views."

The yellow and black signs have been erected in various locations across the city by the group, formerly known as the Rotorua Pro-Democracy Society, to bring attention to local issues.

Rotorua Lakes Council announced plans last week to send letters to property owners where the signs were in conflict with provisions of the District Plan. This was in response to public complaints and questions over the legality of the signs.

In a Rotorua Daily Post article last Wednesday, the council's chief operating officer Dave Foster said the council had spent $5000 on legal advice after one official complaint and "a number of inquiries" from the public asking if the signs were legal.

The advice was some of the signs did not comply with the rules under the District Plan, he said.

He said there were two types of signs - temporary signs advertising things such as community events, galas and concerts, that were allowed to be up for six weeks. The other was permanent signs which are governed by a number of different bylaws.

Mr Foster said the council would not be heavy handed and would give property owners plenty of time to digest the information.

He said if owners did not comply they would be sent an abatement notice under the District Plan.

Dr Macpherson said they had every right to put the signs up around town and would not stop asking questions of the council.

"My advice to the mayor and council is they should get used to receiving feedback they don't like."

A Rotorua Lakes Council spokeswoman said yesterday they were unaware of any staff members visiting or taking down the signs, but were aware letters had been sent to property owners housing these signs.